The UAE has declared Saturday May 16 as official holiday for the public and private sectors to mark Al Isra’a Wal Miraj, according to the Federal Authority of Human Resources.

UAE private sector companies will get Saturday as a holiday, according to the Labour ministry. For those not working on Saturday, the holiday will not be compensated.

The Federal Authority of Human Resources and the Labour ministry extended their congratulations to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, and the UAE people, and the Arab and Islamic World.

Al Isra’a Wal loosely translates from Arabic as the ‘Night Journey and Ascension’, referring to the miraculous journey — in one night — of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) from his home in Makkah to Jerusalem, followed by his ascent to heaven.